Facilities management in the NHS: overlapping authority and demarcation disputes. Issue 3 (28th February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: May, Daryl
• Is Part Of: Facilities. Volume 37:Issue 3/4(2019)
• Page Start: 182
• Page End: 195
• Publication Date: 2019-02-28
• Subjects: Hospitals -- Power -- Facilities management; Facility management -- Periodicals; Plant engineering -- Periodicals; 658.2
• DOI: 10.1108/F-02-2018-0035
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-2772

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: This research aims to investigate the implementation of the new ward housekeeper role in a hospital setting. The purpose is to propose a model to demonstrate how facilities management (FM) departments and clinical ward teams work together effectively to deliver catering and cleaning services. Design/methodology/approach: The context of the implementation of the role was deemed a necessary feature, particularly to understand the organisational structures. In this case, the context was a hospital, and the underlying mechanisms that were in place included local recruitment and retention issues. Therefore, an interpretive approach was taken, and a series of semi-structured interviews was the primary method to collect data, supplemented by some non-participant observation and document analysis. Findings: The findings from the two themes enable the development of a model to illustrate the working relationships between FM departments and clinical ward teams. Practical implications: The findings from the study are of significance for hospital facilities and estates departments and clinical stakeholders who have the responsibility of ward catering, cleaning and the environment. Originality/value: The significance of this study emerges through the advancement of methodology within the context of facilities in health care and through the contribution to knowledge and practice as a result of the proposed mode. This was the first type of study to look in detail at ward housekeeping models, using an interpretive approach over a relatively long period of time.